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West Coast swing, originally named Western Swing, evolved from Lindy Hop in the 1960's on the West Coast of the U.S. Its form is said to be highly influenced from the dance studios in the L.A. area and Skippy Blair. This form of swing is danced in a slot rather than circular like East Coast swing. The slot is the area between partners while in a one-hand position with arms loosely draped between partners. The West Coast swing uses predominantly 6 and 8 count patterns although there are amalgamations that add or subtract beats.
There are three arenas for West Coast swing: dancesport, social dance and performance dancing. The different arenas of West Coast swing require slightly different skills and should not be confused with the other. The West Coast swing is sometimes referred to as the dancer's dance or the Cadillac of dance because it allows the lead and follow to respond to the musicality of the music in spontaneous choreography through the connection that is maintained throughout the dance. In recent years, dancers not only respond to the rhythm and style of music but also respond to the lyrics. Occasionally, dancers refer to a lyrical swing style that pays closer attention to the words than the rhythm.
History of West Coast Swing
West Coast swing, originally named Western Swing, evolved from Lindy Hop in the 1960's on the West Coast of the U.S. Its form is said to be highly influenced from the dance studios in the L.A. area and Skippy Blair. This form of swing is danced in a slot rather than circular like East Coast swing. The slot is the area between partners while in a one-hand position with arms loosely draped between partners. The West Coast swing uses predominantly 6 and 8 count patterns although there are amalgamations that add or subtract beats.
There are three arenas for West Coast swing: dancesport, social dance and performance dancing. The different arenas of West Coast swing require slightly different skills and should not be confused with the other. The West Coast swing is sometimes referred to as the dancer's dance or the Cadillac of dance because it allows the lead and follow to respond to the musicality of the music in spontaneous choreography through the connection that is maintained throughout the dance. In recent years, dancers not only respond to the rhythm and style of music but also respond to the lyrics. Occasionally, dancers refer to a lyrical swing style that pays closer attention to the words than the rhythm.
